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The story of Friendly Chapel Baptist Church began in September 1948, when forty-three faithful individuals gathered at the home of Mr. George Fox with a shared vision—to establish a Baptist church that would proclaim the Gospel and serve the surrounding community.

 

The meeting opened in prayer by Mr. Worth Black, while Mr. Horace Lawing served as moderator. During this historic gathering, Mrs. Tyson Lawing was appointed church clerk, and Mrs. Horace Lawing was selected as secretary and treasurer. Through the generosity and dedication of those present, $2,000 was raised, and Mr. and Mrs. Tyson Lawing graciously donated 1.54 acres of land for the future church home. It was Mr. Carl Hewitt who proposed the name “Friendly Chapel Baptist Church,” a name that continues to represent the welcoming spirit and Christian fellowship of the congregation today.

 

Until a church building could be completed, services were faithfully held in private homes. By November 1948, the first church building—a modest 30-by-50-foot cement block structure—was completed at a cost of $5,547.22. Because the building functioned as both sanctuary and educational space, it also served for Sunday school classes.

 

On November 21, 1948, Friendly Chapel held its very first worship service. A choir of nearly fifty voices, directed by Mr. R.Q. Howard with Miss Ruth Howard accompanying on piano, helped lead worship. Rev. Haskel Sides read from Psalm 103, and during the invitation, four individuals accepted Christ, marking the beginning of a ministry that would change countless lives.

 

The church continued to grow, and on December 20, 1948, the first deacons of Friendly Chapel were ordained. Mr. Rhyne Henley, Mr. Horace Lawing, and Mr. Tyson Lawing joined previously ordained deacons Mr. George Fox and Mr. George Shull, establishing the church’s first deacon body.

 

In September 1950, Friendly Chapel Baptist Church was officially admitted into the South Fork Baptist Association, strengthening its partnership with other Baptist congregations in the region. During this time, Mr. Vance Lawing served as choir director while Miss Shirley Dellinger faithfully began what would become decades of ministry as church pianist. By August 1951, the church building debt had been fully paid, and classrooms and restrooms were added shortly thereafter.

 

As the church family expanded, so did the ministry opportunities. In 1959, additional property was purchased, and on October 25 of that year, Friendly Chapel celebrated its first wedding ceremony, uniting Miss Jean McCorkle and Mr. Bobby Shull in marriage under the direction of Rev. Floyd Beaver.

 

In 1961, the church hosted its first Bible School, directed by Mrs. Floyd Beaver, where four individuals accepted Christ. That same year, the church purchased its first organ, and Mrs. Darris Lee Turbyfill became the church organist, beginning another long tradition of musical worship.

 

By 1963, the congregation sensed God leading them toward a larger vision. Though the church was without a pastor at the time, members moved forward in faith and voted to construct a new sanctuary. Trusting in God’s provision, construction began on a 40-by-86-foot church building, financed through $20,800 in loans. The new structure included a baptistery adorned with a mural painted by Mr. Joe Burke, a nursery, basement classrooms, office space, and modern facilities. Church members actively participated in the work, demonstrating both sacrifice and devotion.

 

On July 5, 1964, Friendly Chapel celebrated its first baptism in the new sanctuary, even before construction was fully completed. Then, on September 13, 1964, the church gathered for its first morning worship service in the new building, marking a major milestone in the congregation’s journey.

 

The decades that followed reflected continued growth and faithfulness. The church expanded its property holdings, installed air conditioning in 1968, published its first church directory in 1970, and celebrated paying off the church loan on September 13, 1971. A paved parking lot followed in 1972, and a new organ was installed in 1973.

 

In 1977, construction of a church parsonage was completed, and by 1980, Friendly Chapel celebrated the completion of a new Fellowship Building, creating additional space for ministry, meals, and church gatherings. A new church sign was added in 1989, symbolizing the church’s continuing presence in the community.

 

Entering the new century, Friendly Chapel continued expanding its outreach. A church van was acquired in 2001, and that same year the congregation partnered with area churches for a community tent revival. The Sunday School addition was completed in 2004, a second bus was added in 2012, and mission efforts expanded beyond North Carolina with trips to Coalwood, West Virginia (2013) and Vermont (2014).

 

Faithful service has also been reflected through the church’s music ministry. Mrs. Shirley Dellinger served as pianist from 1950 through 2014, while Mrs. Helen Turbyfill faithfully ministered as organist from 1961 through 2019. Today, Mrs. Ann Simmons continues this important tradition as church pianist.

 

As Friendly Chapel Baptist Church continues its ministry, we pause with gratitude for God’s faithfulness through every season. Since 1948, countless lives have been touched, prayers answered, families strengthened, and souls brought to Christ through the ministry of this church.

 

While we celebrate our rich history, we remain focused on the future—continuing the mission of sharing the Gospel, serving our community, and glorifying Jesus Christ for generations to come.

 

Today, under the faithful leadership of Pastor Lance Mitchell, Friendly Chapel Baptist Church continues to build upon the strong foundation established by those who came before us. With a heart for biblical preaching, discipleship, worship, and community outreach, Pastor Mitchell and the church family remain committed to sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and ministering to people of all ages.

 

As Friendly Chapel continues its ministry, we pause with gratitude for God’s faithfulness through every season. Since 1948, countless lives have been touched, prayers answered, families strengthened, and souls brought to Christ through the ministry of this church.

 

While we celebrate our rich history, we remain focused on the future—continuing the mission of sharing the Gospel, serving our community, and glorifying Jesus Christ for generations to come.

 

As we honor our past, we look ahead with anticipation, trusting God to continue blessing Friendly Chapel Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Lance Mitchell and the faithful service of its church family.

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“To God be the glory for all He has done, and for the blessings still to come.”